20. Skin reactions. Part 4.(Dry Skin)
20. Skin Reactions. Part 4.
Dry Skin…A common problem.
Help!! …..taut skin and mild flaking! OR has it developed into red patches which itch and possibly crack and bleed? Once your skin is cracking, this can open the way for bacteria to sneak in and cause infection.
Skin has its own natural elasticity enabling it to stretch and move as you do, but dryness will reduce this and lead to other skin problems such as wrinkles and stretch marks.
Dry skin can be a sign of a skin condition or disease, but usually is caused by harsh soaps, misusing moisturiser, and long, hot showers. Usually, something in the environment – or something you’re doing to your skin – is stripping away the fatty oils that should be on the surface of your skin, leaving it unprotected.
The flakes of skin can look grey, or “ashy, which can give your skin a dirty appearance. If untreated, dry skin can sometimes lead to dermatitis – inflammation of the skin – swelling, and infection. With careful dry skin care, you can usually solve the problem.
Moisturisers are usually our first ‘port of call’, however, we often apply (incorrectly!)straight onto the dry skin, A moisturiser needs to be applied to skin whilst it is still damp, this way, the moisturiser is trapping the moisture on your skin. You’ve also got to get the right type of moisturiser. Experts recommend that people with dry skin get mild moisturisers that contain no perfumes or alcohols.
Dry air is another cause of dry skin, especially during the winter, drawing the moisture right out of the skin. While cold, harsh weather does dry your skin, dry air inside from central heating is a real enemy too!!To counteract the dry heat, again you will need a great moisturiser, you could also use a humidifier. Covering up as much as possible when you’re outside is also helpful. It isn’t just winter weather which can play havoc for those prone to dry skin!! sun exposure can also be very drying, so it is important to protect yourself and use products with spf.
Prolonged exposure to water ,especially hot water , can wash away the natural oils that protect your skin. If you get out of the bath or shower and your skin feels tight, it’s dried out, always apply a good hydrating body cream. Dermatologists advise, limiting showers to a few minutes and use luke warm water rather than hot..
Usually the only parts of the body that need any soap or gel are the face, hands, feet, groin and underarms, the rest of the body can usually just be rinsed off with water. Many of us choose unwisely when soap shopping! going for harsh soaps, such as deodorant or antibacterial soaps, the lathering from soap removes the oils from the surface of the skin and dries it out. For dry skin care, look for milder, “fragrance-free” soaps or better still a mild cleanser.
Whilst dry skin is commonly caused by external factors. , it can sometimes be a sign of a something going on internally, whether it’s a natural physiological change or an illness.
Dry skin often develops when people get older, especially in women. Changes in hormone levels can cause dry skin as we age,
A number of medical conditions can result in dry skin, such as;
- Skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis.
- Diabetes. Fluctuations in glucose levels can lead to dehydration, and that dries the skin out.
- Hypothyroidism. Low levels of thyroid hormone can reduce the amount of oil produced by your skin.
- Malnutrition. Not getting the nutrients you need can leave your skin dried out.
If you are finding you simply can’t get rid of dry skin, it may be wise to see a Doctor to rule anything more sinister out.
At Beauty Haven, we stock a range of Dermalogica products suitable for varying degrees of dryness, from cleansers, moisturisers and boosters to special masques. We offer treatments such as the Multi vitamin facial and Mesoestetic lactic acid peel. Also, body treatments such as the prescriptive body treatment can work miracles, exfoliating the dead skin cells and really conditioning the skin. We can always find an answer to annoying dry skin, so don’t suffer in silence.